City of Davis giving away free gun locks, part of plan to curb accidental firearm deaths

Davis is giving away free gun locks at this weekend’s farmers market, part of the city’s new plan to prevent gun-related deaths and injuries.

Last week, the Davis City Council approved a new ordinance that will require gun owners to secure firearms with locking devices and store them in containers at home and in vehicles.

Davis Police Chief Darren Pytel told council members that firearms are often stolen from people’s homes and cars.

“I was a little shocked at how high that number is, 17 guns that were stolen just in the past couple of years and none of them were appropriately locked,” he said. “Definitely I think this can make a difference."

His department will be giving away 200 gun locks at this Saturday’s Davis Farmers Market. He says he's also ordered another 1,000 locks to give away.

In a statement, Davis Mayor Lucas Frerichs said its “imperative that we do what we can locally to help prevent accidental deaths and deaths by suicide in our community.”

The Council passed the new ordinance unanimously, and for some there was a personal history with gun violence.

“Four years ago, my nephew was shot and killed just before his 17th birthday. My grandson is a few months away from his 17th birthday right now. And so, this is important,” Council member Gloria Partida.

State law already requires hand guns be stored safely in vehicles. The city ordinance adds long guns to the requirement. Violations could be prosecuted as misdemeanors.